For they were pleased to do this, and indeed they are indebted to the Jerusalem saints. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are obligated also to minister to them in material things.
Elders who provide effective leadership must be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching.For the scripture says,“ Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and,“ The worker deserves his pay.”
For it is written in the law of Moses,“ Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” God is not concerned here about oxen, is he?Or is he not surely speaking for our benefit? It was written for us, because the one plowing and threshing ought to work in hope of enjoying the harvest.If we sowed spiritual blessings among you, is it too much to reap material things from you?If others receive this right from you, are we not more deserving? But we have not made use of this right. Instead we endure everything so that we may not be a hindrance to the gospel of Christ.Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple eat food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar receive a part of the offerings?In the same way the Lord commanded those who proclaim the gospel to receive their living by the gospel.
